Taking Your Lunch Break on the Upper East Side

The Upper East Side isn’t exactly office central of New York City (that would be Midtown—Central, East, or West—or the Financial District), but there’s no question that people who do work in the area need to duck out of the office every so often. While several of New York City’s other neighborhoods have many spaces and parks for the public to explore and enjoy, the Upper East Side has very few (not counting Central Park because that’s obviously a huge attraction).

Nevertheless, this is still the Upper East Side and the neighborhood makes sure its public spaces, as few as they may be, count.

The oldest community-based volunteer association park in the city, Carl Schurz Park is the home of Gracie Mansion (the residence of the mayor of New York City). A nearly 15 acre park located along the East River at 1562 First Avenue between East 84th and East 89th Streets, the vibrantly green Carl Schurz Park features a promenade with views of Gracie Mansion, Randall’s Island, Roosevelt Island Lighthouse, and Wards Island. The park also hosts the Gracie Square Art Show every September.

Further downtown, along the East River and east 50s, Sutton Place Park is another respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Immortalized in Woody Allen’s Manhattan, the considerably not-green Sutton Place Park attracts visitors due to its waterfront location and views of the Queensboro Bridge.

Although other spaces bring art to the public, e.g. the David Rubenstein Atrium or the Onassis Cultural Center, no space can top The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s ability to bring the public to art. Located on Fifth Avenue and East 82nd Street, the Met has two exhibits that you should take in during your lunch break; you can explore the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden and see artist Tomás Saraceno’s Cloud City installation or the Spring 2012 Costume Institute’s Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations before it closes on Sunday, August 19. Although the museum isn’t free, the Met has suggested donation amounts for admission, so you may pay less than the suggested amount if you see fit.